Hayek was one of several stars who took the time to take selfies with and sign autographs for movie fans lined up on the street across from the Palm Springs convention Center where the red carpet gala was held to kick off the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

While "Wonder Woman" herself Gal Gadot was the most coveted autograph on the night, it was Hayek who produced the most miles. Hayek, who was on hand to present an award to Guillermo Del Toro and the cast of "The Shape of Water," signed every single autograph and took every selfie requested of her. While her handlers, anxiously tried to pull her away, she stayed. She shouted Happy New Year to everyone. She spoke Spanish to some of her biggest admirers, leaving some in tears.

“You inspire me, thanks for paving the way,” shouted one fan as Hayek headed back toward the red carpet. Hayek turned back and blew a kiss.

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Salma Hayak with fans at the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala in Palm Springs, January 2, 2018.(Photo11: Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun)

It was a good year for the 500 or so autograph-seekers, who range from the professionals who turn around and sell the autographs, to the die-hard fans who just want to see some of their idols.

The list was long this year of actors and actresses who took the time to pose for photos or sign movie posters.

It started with Willem Dafoe who later received the icon award, and he was followed by Timothee Chalamet, Kumail Nanjiani and Allison Janney (who was having trouble walking in her shoe-dress combination) made a game effort but only stayed for about 30 seconds. Then came Armie Hammer, Gary Oldman, Saoirse Ronan, Richard Jenkins and Laurie Metcalf.

Singer Mary J. Blige, who is receiving critical acclaim for her acting in "Mudbound," was a big hit, and her presenter, singer/actor Common, joined her as they both signed autographs at the same time.

Jessica Chastain, like Hayek really wanted to sign every autograph, but people were getting a little aggressive with the posters and photos they were pushing in front of her to sign. So much so, she had to step backwards awkwardly off the curb. She called it quits soon after.

Half the battle for autograph-seekers is to get the celebrity to come to them. There are a lot of creative attempts. Someone shouted out “Jessica, I know your cousin” to Jessica Chastain. That didn’t work. Group chants is a popular method and it usually. One group of new friends employed that method all night. “Ma-ry! Ma-ry! Ma-ry!” and sure enough Mary J. Blige came down to them and took a photo. “Je-si-ca! Je-si-ca!” and along came Jessica Chastain. The one time it didn’t work is when they chanted “Sal-ly! Sal-ly! Sal-ly!” probably because they were shouting it at a confused Patty Jenkins.

If the whole night was a fireworks show, the grand finale was Gadot. Gadot, was the final celebrity to arrive, and she didn’t disappoint. Easy to spot with her statuesque frame in a bright yellow dress, she hopped out of a black SUV and head directly to the delighted crowd. She signed a bunch of Wonder Woman paraphernalia, and had to giggle at a guy who shouted “Gal, look I’m wearing a tiara.” Choosing to be a good sport, instead of freaked out by him, she signed his photo. She also signed a Wonder Woman-style shield a man brought, giving him credit for the creative prop.